Political signs – who is responsible?

Maintenance crews with the Seattle Transportation Department – the people who fix potholes, move felled trees and deal with icy roads – collect political signs after a complaint. City officials say crews have taken more aggressive approach this year, though resources are limited.

The Transportation Department can ticket candidates $250 for campaign signs illegally placed by volunteers. But this year, no candidates have been fined, despite about 30 complaints the city has received.

“We prefer to utilize a verbal warning first,” department spokesman Rick Sheridan said. “Typically its an effective technique for resolving issues around signage in the right of way.”